Fairfield Community Farm launches £10,000 appeal to protect animals during fireworks season
Community Farm is launching a winter fundraising appeal to help secure the future of its animals and the community activities it provides as fireworks season adds to an already difficult winter
As fireworks light up Lincolnshire's skies around Bonfire Night, a small community farm near Sleaford is highlighting a very different experience of the celebrations – one that can bring fear, uncertainty and additional challenges for the animals in its care.
Fairfield Community Farm, based at Ruskington Fen, provides a welcoming environment where people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities can connect with nature, animals and one another.
Home to animals including goats, pigs and horses, the farm is drawing attention to the impact fireworks can have on livestock, particularly those living outdoors who cannot simply retreat indoors when the celebrations begin.
According to the RSPCA, fireworks can cause significant distress to farm animals, with sudden explosions and unexpected noise potentially triggering panic, escape attempts and injuries.
For small community farms such as Fairfield, protecting animals is part of a much wider responsibility, particularly at a time when resources are already stretched.
Following two years of flooding and escalating costs for animal feed, bedding and essential maintenance, Fairfield has launched a £10,000 winter fundraising appeal to help secure the future of its animals and the community activities it provides.
Dr Kathy Owen, spokesperson for Fairfield Community Farm, said: "For most people, Bonfire Night means excitement, celebration and beautiful fireworks. But animals don't understand what's happening around them, and sudden loud noises can be frightening.
"We're certainly not asking people to stop celebrating. We're simply asking them to remember that beyond the gardens and the fireworks displays, there may be animals who are frightened and people doing everything they can to keep them safe.
"Our animals are at the heart of everything we do at Fairfield. They provide companionship, comfort and a connection with nature for people who visit us. Looking after them is about so much more than feeding them and providing shelter.
“We've already faced some incredibly difficult challenges with flooding and rising costs. Our winter appeal is about giving these animals the care, security and protection they deserve, while keeping Fairfield a place that people can continue to turn to.”
The appeal comes amid a wider national debate about fireworks and animal welfare. In July, the Government announced proposals to restrict the loudest fireworks, with farming organisations calling for greater recognition of the impact on livestock.
Fairfield hopes Bonfire Night will encourage people to think not only about the animals living in neighbouring fields and farms, but also about the small community organisations working throughout the year to care for them.
Its winter appeal aims to raise £10,000 towards essential feed, hay, bedding, repairs and the ongoing upkeep of the farm.
Supporters can donate whatever they can afford, with even small contributions helping to provide necessities for the animals during the colder months.
To support Fairfield Community Farm's winter appeal, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-lifeline-this-winter-for-fairfield-community-farm?cp_src=d